Looking down at the large stack of papers on his desk, Rufus frowned. “I still don't have everything I need here. As a matter of fact, a large percentage of what's in front of me is what I don't need.” Frustrated, he rubbed between his eyes and sighed.

“I told you I wasn't cut out for secretary work. That's why I asked to be placed elsewhere.” Unapologetic, you crossed your arms and turned up your nose. “Now maybe you'll believe me and put me somewhere where I can actually be helpful.”

Acting as if he hadn't even heard you, Rufus continued his complaining. “You even forgot to bring me a coffee.” He seemed more disappointed with you than he did upset. “However, as you stated, I was warned, so I really shouldn't be surprised.” Placing his elbows on his desk he held his chin in his hands. “Where do you think I should place you? Quite honestly, this is one of the easiest jobs I have to offer you at the moment.”

That last remark had annoyed you much more than you cared to admit. “I don't know, I just know that I'm no good at this. What about the science department, or with the Turks?”

Rufus laughed at your suggestions. “You can't even remember to bring me a simple coffee. Do you honestly think I'm going to trust you in the science department? You'd kill someone in no time flat. I won't even address the idea of you joining the Turks.”

“What is it with you and your stupid coffee? If it's that important to you, I'll go get it for you now.” You honestly were trying not to get angry with him. Despite your best efforts you found your voice getting louder and more forceful. What he said next did nothing to help your mounting anger.

“Yes actually, that would be very nice. I often find it hard to think in the morning until after I've had my first cup.” Giving you a sarcastic smile, Rufus leaned back in his chair and finished giving you instructions. “As I said before, but you've no doubt forgotten, I take my coffee black. That should be easy enough for you.”

You clenched your jaw tightly, turning on your heel and walked away without another word. It was only a short walk to the employee kitchen from Rufus's office, but you intended to take as long as you possibly could. Before you even attempted to make any coffee, you leisurely looked around the cabinets and drawers for nothing in particular. However, one drawer held something you knew you could use to your advantage. “Oh, what do we have here?” A quiet chuckle escaped your lips as you lifted the dissolvable laxative out of its place. “This is going to be good.” Not thinking twice about the repercussions, you grabbed one of the mugs and poured in your coffee, laxative solution. After giving it a quick stir, you made your way back to Rufus's office and placed the concoction on his desk.. “One black coffee.”

“Thank you.” Much to your dismay, Rufus didn't reach for the mug, instead he once again leaned back in his chair and looked up at you. “I've spoken to professor Hojo about your desire to work in his department. Do you know what he said?”

Expecting another jab, you responded with your voice laced in sarcasm. “No, what did he say, that I would blow up the whole building?”

A barely noticeable grin appeared on his face in response to your words. “No, not at all. On the contrary, he said you were a fine specimen and wouldn't mind working with you at all. Though his reasons for wanting to work with you may not be what you like, if you would still like to transfer, I'm willing to arrange it.”

“R-really?” You couldn't believe it. You were finally being offered what you thought you wanted, and now you weren't really sure you wanted it. You felt bad for being so rude to Rufus, especially now that he was trying to make sure you were happy. Maybe he wasn't really as bad as you thought, but you weren't about to tell him that. Try as you might, you couldn't come up with a decent excuse or reason not to accept his offer. “That's really nice of you, it's just, Hojo kind of gives me the creeps.”

“Is that so?” Rufus stood from his chair and walked around his desk to where you were standing. He stared at you in a strange, intense way as if trying to decide for himself whether you were lying to him or not. “Are you sure that's the reason you've changed your mind?”

“What exactly do you mean by that?” Unbeknownst to you, your face was lighting up like the fourth of July. “You think I don't want to work for him because of you? You're nuts.”

“No, I don't think actually.” Trying not to laugh at your accusation, Rufus just grinned. “I thought perhaps you had found another place to work, or had spoken to Tseng about joining the Turks. You were gone for almost twenty-five minutes. That's a very long time to be gone for nothing more than a cup of coffee.”

“Oh.” You wanted to hide yourself under a rock for saying something so stupid. But since there were no rocks conveniently located in Rufus's office, you did your best to appear calm. “I didn't talk to anyone. No one was even in the cafeteria, or the hallway.”

“So this sudden change in heart was completely your doing?” Rufus raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “I do find that a little hard to believe, but, I won't dwell on it. I will say this however, if at any time you change your mind, let me know. But for the time being, I am glad for your help.” He smirked. “If indeed at some time you do help me.”

You decided to let his last comment go, not wanting to start another argument. “Thank you, and I'm sorry about my attitude earlier. I'll try to keep it under control.”

“Don't bother, I like my employees to have a bit spirit in them.” Rufus smiled at you in a way that made you blush. “Now, if everything's settled, I should really get back to work before I become even more behind than I already am. Would you mind handing me that folder?”

“Sure.” As Rufus took his seat, you turned around and grabbed a large manila folder from the top of his filing cabinet. “Here you go.” You almost dropped the folder when you saw him bringing the tainted coffee to his lips. Acting on impulse, you placed you quickly placed your hand on the top of the mug, moving it back down to the table. “I wouldn't drink that.”

“Why not? It's still nice and hot.” A puzzled look flashed across his face, only to be replaced by an amused one. “I see.” He handed you the mug and cleared his throat. “What did you do to it, salt instead of sugar? Maybe cyan pepper, or was it hot sauce?”

“None of the above, but never mind that. I'll just go get you a new one.” You grabbed the mug and started to make your way out the door, before you did, you noticed something. “I'm guessing this isn't the first time this has happened to you.”